Annual McGennis Youth Center report out

Someone recently asked me about the McGennis Youth Center and I thought that I would take her the Youth Center's annual report that I had received a few months ago. That would give her some additional information.

I went back to the office and there was the 2012 McGennis Youth Center Annual Report that I had received. A year had passed and the annual meeting had been held. I had forgotten that it was time for the annual meeting.

As a result I was able to make a copy of the new report and took it to the person who had asked about the center. This was better than taking her the 2011 report that I was thinking about.

The McGennis Youth Center is an important facility that serves a four-county area. Because of its importance, I am including portions of the report. Even with its importance, there are many in the area who are not familiar with the center. There are others who are interested in the center and like to be kept up on what is going on at the center.

The name for the center is Mary A. McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center and is referred to as the McGennis Youth Center. The Mary A. McGennis Youth Center is responsible for the development of the center, maintaining the center and program development. The agricultural park in the name is yet to be developed. The intention was to have an agricultural museum at the center to preserve the agricultural heritage in the area.

At the recent annual meeting the officers were re-elected. They are Virginia Habjan, president; Jim and Wendy Barton, vice president; Debbie Balk, secretary and Carla Armentrout, treasurer. The board is made up of good people doing a great job of carrying on the traditions of the center.

The annual report includes some background information on the center and a description. For those familiar with the youth center it serves as a reminder and for those not familiar with the center it provides an introduction to the facility.

According to the annual report: "The McGennis Youth Center was started over 40 years ago as a gift from Mary McGennis. The gift was intended for the youth in a five-county area. The center is especially popular with the youth from the immediate area. The board of directors is comprised of representatives appointed by the extension councils in Bates, Vernon, St. Clair and Henry Counties."

The annual report describes the Youth Center as follows: "The center features a six-acre lake, which is a popular area of the center. The lake is used for swimming and fishing, a lifeguard is provided in season on Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. Two shelter houses with fireplaces and tables flank the lake. A chapel has been moved to the center and restored to its original country atmosphere. A sports area contains a ball diamond, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. The center has three cabins that can be used by those wishing to spend the night. The cabin area features a storage shed built by the vocational agriculture department at Rich Hill High School, as well as a modern restroom facility with showers, a rural schoolhouse has also been moved to the site. An old red barn which has been restored is the location of a modern kitchen facility and dining area. The barn also serves as the backdrop for the "Theater under the lights" productions and for storage. A snack shack is in operation during swim time. The supervisor's home is also located at the site."

I will add that it is a beautiful setting and each year is well maintained. When thinking about what is there I realize that it has taken a lot of effort, by many individuals and groups.

In the "From the President" section, Virginia Habjan wrote:"I am pleased to serve as the president of McGennis Youth Center. It is wonderful to work with the board and community persons who give of themselves financially and with time and work efforts. Each of you helps to keep alive Mary A. McGennis vision of providing a setting where children can experience life in a rural setting. As families get busy and need a place to reconnect with each other, the youth center provides this special setting. We are grateful to our many benefactors and supporters.

"This past summer was again very hot and dry. This did seem to have an effect with our numbers of patrons, and we look forward to a new summer that is hopefully more weather pleasant. Summer 2013 will see the return of the Barn Player's Theater. A new activity was the movie night in the late summer. This was well received and will be presented again for families to have a chance to watch a "drive-in" type movie. In keeping with family fitness we will present a 5K fun run/walk in the spring. Our Geo cache has brought many different persons to the center. I want to thank all the board members for their work and support. Our fundraising activities of the July Fourth stand and auction/barbecue have been wonderful due to your hard work."

The annual report was distributed to the board at the annual meeting. More information about the annual report will be in the next column. To be continued.